Question from someone interested

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by In transit, May 18, 2016.

  1. In transit

    In transit Bobtail Member

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    May 18, 2016
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    Recently where worked at factory job an was laid off went out bussiness after being there 30 yrs, am nearly 56, been interested in trucking for long time,
    I also have house auto an other payments an not lot money saved up, lot bill responsibility, I always been singal an maybe could go an possibly get something though unemployment about retraining in different carrier
    Not sure if Otr for very long would be for me, and all negative things hear about it an turnover rate, how good a driver u got be to start? Any money in it or in local positions, there is quite a demand for Otr drivers I notice, am I to old? I would not be interested in team driving very much at all
    I have worn out knees an joints an worked in factory long time, an after being unemployed for couple months the idea of working heavy factory work on hard concrete for $10 a hour not to appealing, an some these younger people u got work with, far as I concerned the management can do work themselves for there lowball pay,I was up not far from $17 a hr, most I seen around here in factory work is $12 an down an mostly 10 a hr
     
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  3. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
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    Where is your location?
    Trucking is a good career even for someone your age. Lots of drivers out there can call you a "youngster."
    Many companies are 100% driver no-touch freight, so you don't have to deal with manual labor at all.

    The unemployment office will probably pay for cdl school; ask about this. If you go this route, keep us informed and we'll give you some names of good companies to apply with. Get the hazmat endorsement also.
    Start now by studying the "CDL Practice Tests" located on this website.
    Also Google "free cdl practice tests "your state"
     
    JReding and ExOTR Thank this.
  4. firemedic2816

    firemedic2816 Road Train Member

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    May 14, 2016
    Walton Kentucky
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    Had a buddy go O/O and decided even though he was dry van to get his Hazmat and Tanker endorsement anyway. 1st trip he made, when he off loaded, his next load was cancelled but they had some big tubs that had "hazmat" in them but someone needed hazmat and tanker endorsements...Well guess who happened to be standing there with endorsements, NEVER Hurts to GET EM ALL, never know when you might need one.
     
    TripleSix Thanks this.
  5. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    74,924
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    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
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    You will need a DOT physical before being allowed to enroll in cdl school.
    Prepare now by ensuring your blood pressure and sugar levels are normal. Blood pressure medication and diabetes medication such as Metformin are acceptable.
     
  6. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    74,924
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    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
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    Something similar happened to me when I pulled reefers. Was sitting in Ohio empty and was the only driver ready to roll with hazmat endorsement. Guess who got that load of paint heading to Los Angeles?
     
    firemedic2816 Thanks this.
  7. firemedic2816

    firemedic2816 Road Train Member

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    May 14, 2016
    Walton Kentucky
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    Well thank makes for a nice pay day :) happens a lot around the cincinnati area because some of the stuff Samuel Adams Brewery get's for their brewery comes in big tubs that sit inside metals containters, and technically since each one is OVER 200 Gallons they have to be Tanker endorsed but in a box truck and they are not hazardous per see but because of the process to MAKE it involves some they ship it HAZMAT
     
    Chinatown Thanks this.
  8. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    74,924
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    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
    0
    @In transit - You won't have any problem making $50K - $60K per year right out of cdl school. There's Tyson Foods drivers that post on here making $60K.
    With those bad knees, you don't want tanker or flatbed work. A good refrigerated or dry van company will be perfect for you.
    Abilene Motor Express
    Tyson Foods
    Magnum Ltd.
    Freymiller
    & several more.

    If you're in the hiring area, Old Dominion is really good in their "linehaul" division. They also hire new cdl grads, as do all the others I listed.

    Let us know when you're ready. You can submit job applications during the first week of cdl school.
    Put your location on your profile; city/state.
     
    Last edited: May 19, 2016
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